New Delhi: With biodiversity conservation
becoming a global issue, a Central task force has recommended
a string of steps to strengthen the country`s two premier
institutes engaged in survey and research of flora and fauna.
The panel led by prominent biologist Madhav Gadgil which
submitted its report to the Centre last week has sought that
the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Zoological Survey
of India (ZSI) be placed at par with the Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR), an autonomous body.
Envisaging a greater role for the two organisations as
the world observes 2010 as "International Year of
Biodiversity," the panel has called upon them to become "lead
biodiversity institutions in SAARC region."
Setting up a permanent, open, inclusive Coordinating
Group on Systematic Biology so that the two institutes come to
constitute the hub of a vibrant network of activities in all
fields of systematic biology is one of the recommendations of
the panel to move in this direction.
"They should prepare an up-to-date state-of-the-art
report to help identify gaps in knowledge of different
taxonomic groups, in knowledge of different geographical
regions and habitats and in the availability of expertise
relating to different taxa and geographical regions," the
report said.
As the country gears to host International Year of
Biodiversity in 2012, BSI and ZSI, one of the oldest research
institutes in the country are set to play a greater role in
conserving floral and faunal resources.
PTI
